Cops, Crooks, and Eggnog
Happy Holidays to all of you from The Graveyard Shift! See you again on December 26, 2008.
Please take a moment to remember the police officers who are working tonight and tomorrow to keep us safe and sound so that we may enjoy our holidays. They don’t have that option. Instead, they’ll be braving danger, the elements, and lack of rest while their families are home alone. The officers assigned to work during the holidays are not able to tuck in their little ones, or to see the excitement in their kid’s eyes when they’re trying so hard to sleep so Santa can arrive.
Officers drag in on Christmas morning, sleepy and exhausted from dealing with the worst of the worst all night long, but they stay awake savoring what little time they have with their family. Then it’s off to bed on Christmas Day, attempting to rest and regenerate their tired bodies for another long winter’s night. Suddenly, squeals and laughter combined with bells and whistles erupt outside the bedroom door as little Sammy and Sally begin to play with their brand new toys. The scents of hot turkey and dressing creep beneath the door. The voices of family and friends reach tired ears. Finally, the fatigued officer joins the excitement. After all, he can sleep tomorrow. Christmas only comes once each year.
Be careful out there, guys. Your families want you home. Wear your vests, stay safe, and shoot low, they might be riding Shetland ponies.
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Don’t forget To enter the new 200 word contest. The winner will receive a DVD of the entire first series of Crime 360! Details here.
(DVDs courtesy of A&E Television)
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Peg – I did the same. Sometimes my wife rode with me on Christmas Eve. She’ll have to tell the stories someday.
Some excitement happened one Christmas Eve that involved me extracting a very unruly and uncooperative criminal suspect from his car through the driver’s side window (he wouldn’t open the door and was very combative) and she swore she’d never ride with me again, and she didn’t.
Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.
Because we didn’t have kids DH would work a double or even a triple shift every Christmas so other officers could be home with their families Christmas Eve and day. We’d celebrate later.
Merry Christmas, Lee. Stay well.
Carla – Thank you. I’m feeling much better.
E2M – Ho, ho, ho to you too! I’m looking forward to reading your story.
Elena – Thanks for supporting The Graveyard Shift. You know, this is the first blog I visit too. 🙂
Have a wonderful holiday, Lee!
This blog is #1 on my morning reading list – thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into it.
Merry Christmas! I will keep the night shift cops in my prayers tonight. I’ve spoken with several officers in my town, and they talk about “the night shift guys” with such admiration.
At least those officers can get more sleep, now that toys are quieter (PSP’s, action figures, etc) although there’s usually the grandma who buys a three foot long firetruck with realistic sounds haha
I will be writing my story today, though I won’t be able to submit it until the 28th. I’m glad you’re feeling better for the holidays!
Merry Christmas, Lee, and thank you for the gifts you’ve given us all year long. (Your wisdom, knowledge and insight.) I hope you’re feeling back to 100% in 2009, if not sooner.
Thanks for the reminder, too. It’s so easy not to notice. I’ll pay attention and remember to say Thank You if the opportunity arises.